OSAKA (Japan) - Japan's star center, Ramu Tokashiki, will finally be returning to the international stage here at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Qualifying Tournament in Osaka.

"It's not often that you get a chance to play against players who have WNBA experience, so I'm looking forward to it and want to do my best."

Back to work

This will be the first time Tokashiki plays in an international tournament since the Women’s Basketball Olympics Qualifying Tournament in Belgium two years ago in 2020 in this exact same month.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Japan made a huge breakthrough to win a historic silver medal, but Tokashiki was unfortunately not a part of the team due to a knee injury. Now she is back on the squad, aiming for Women’s World Cup qualification.

Talent recognizes talent

Upon her return, Tokashiki is hyped up and excited to match up with the top players at the global level.

"I'm especially looking forward to playing against Jonquel Jones from Bosnia & Herzegovina," Tokashiki revealed. "I will also match up with Kayla Alexander and Natalie Achonwa in the game against Canada! It's not often that you get a chance to play against players who have WNBA experience, so I'm looking forward to it and want to do my best."

In particular, Tokashiki is looking forward to her matchup with the WNBA MVP of the 2021 season, Jones, who is arguably the best player in the world of women’s basketball right now.

This isn’t Tokashiki’s first encounter with Jones, but she’s pumped up for the opportunity nonetheless. 

"She probably does not remember me"

"Many great teams are attending this tournament from around the world, therefore I am happy to play against her in Osaka. She probably doesn't remember me, but we matched up once in the WNBA. She's gotten a lot better since then, and she's become an amazing player."

However, Tokashiki might have underestimated herself and the impression that she has on other players. Jones actually revealed that she does indeed know Tokashiki well.

"I definitely remember. She is good player," Jones complimented.

Room for improvement

Despite already being one of the better players in Japan, Tokashiki recognizes that this return to the court is another chance to get better especially considering her time away from the hardwood. 

"Since I didn't make it to the Olympics, this will be good experience to play against top players in this Qualifying Tournament. I want to use it as a source of inspiration to improve myself."

Tokashiki is already a skilled offensive weapon for Japan, as she has showcased time and again across several competitions. She was the leading scorer for Japan at the OQT in Belgium. However, as she makes her return here in Osaka, her focus will be on enforcing her impact on the other end of the court. 

Defensive weapon

"I want to stop the other team's ace. On offense, we have many players who can make shots. Personally, I would like to be able to cover up for the lack of height [on our team."

With the level of talent of the aces on the opposing teams, this is a tall task for Japan’s star center. Nonetheless, she’s already made an impression on one of the world’s best players in Jonquel Jones in the past, so who is to say she can’t do so again here in Osaka with her defense?

FIBA